I’ve never seen the Texans blow open a game the way they did during the 1:46 span at the end of the first half.

The offense was sputtering. The defense was having problems containing running backs Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.

And then J.J. Watt went to work. He batted down three of Ryan Tannehill’s passes, two that were intercepted by Brian Cushing and Kareem Jackson. The first one was turned into a 14-yard touchdown run by Arian Foster for a 10-3 lead with 1:53 left in the first half.

Jackson’s interception was converted into a 2-yard touchdown run by Foster for a 17-3 lead with 43 seconds left.

Then, on the Dolphins’ first play, Glover Quin drilled Thomas, forcing a fumble that Danieal Manning recovered at the Miami 31 with 28 seconds left.

Matt Schaub threw for seven yards to Ben Tate, 10 yards to Andre Johnson, and then Schaub and Johnson executed a perfect fade pass to the right side of the end zone. Schaub’s pass was perfect, and Johnson’s catch and toe dance were perfect. There was nothing cornerback Sean Smith could do to keep the Dolphins from a 24-3 deficit.

Arian Foster and Brooks Reed are both active for the Houston Texans in their season opener.

Foster had some soreness near his knee this week and Reed had a hip injury. Both sustained the pain in non-contact actions and were pulled from Wednesday’s practice as a precaution. Neither player practiced the rest of the week.

Walking through the parking lot on my way into Reliant Stadium, I think it’s safe to say I haven’t seen Texans fans this fired up.

Fans are so pumped about the Texans and their prospects as a Super Bowl contender for the first time. They arrived early to tailgate and prepare for the Miami Dolphins.

Running back Arian Foster and outside linebacker Brooks Reed are game-time decisions because of minor injuries. Foster told the media Friday he expected to play, but they brought him back too soon last season from a hamstring injury, and he aggravated it.

Ben Tate is the backup who could start for most teams, and the Texans won’t hesitate to use him. He replaced Foster in the opening victory over Indianapolis last year and reached triple digits.

If there’s any question about Foster, Gary Kubiak will sit him and rest him until next week’s game at Jacksonville.

If Reed can’t play, first-round pick Whitney Mercilus will replace him. He led the team with 3 ½ sacks in preseason.

– John McClain

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans running back Arian Foster leaps past Miami Dolphins defensive back Chris Clemons for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster leaps past Miami Dolphins defensive back Chris Clemons for a touchdown during the second quarter.